Caregiver Tips on Planning a Funeral
It’s time for a serious talk. Take a deep breath before moving on because this subject can be triggering. While it’s an uncomfortable topic, we must discuss the reality that the person we offer sacrificial and gentle care to will one day pass on. In preparing you, beloved caregiver, for this reality, we have compiled four tips to help you proactively plan a funeral.
Plan Ahead for the Passing of Your Loved One
The passing of a loved one or client will have an inevitable emotional impact on you. In light of this, experts recommend that you plan ahead of the event. Why? It is difficult to plan a funeral and make balanced decisions while you are grieving.
Tasks that can be completed ahead of time include:
- Discussing arrangements: Talk with close family and friends about your plans.
- Decide who will participate: Decide who will participate in the funeral and share event details.
- Don’t be afraid to delegate: Choose a trusted family member to oversee the arrangements and select a backup person.
- Drafting an obituary: An obituary can honor the deceased’s life and contributions.
- Gathering quotes: Get quotes from providers to compare pricing (see next section)
- Selecting an internment container and location: Casket or urn? How will your loved one’s remains be honored?
- Estimating final expenses: The funeral director will provide a written estimate of the cost, but the final bill may be higher.
Comparison Shop Logically
The concept of comparing funeral prices and related expenses can be uncomfortable for several reasons. One could be that you don’t want to seem price-focused when planning to honor the precious life of a loved one. However, funeral services can have vastly different pricing, and some may go as far as to take advantage of your emotional state and include/pitch services that are unnecessary.
Don’t be afraid to comparison shop. Consider joining or consulting with a memorial society to gain access to the typical pricing of funeral expenses and receive hands-on guidance for funeral planning. Visit the Funeral Consumers Alliance’s website for a directory of affiliates near you.
Avoid Prepaying for Funeral Packages
The benefits of preplanning a funeral are vast; however, several experts advise against prepaying for funeral expenses. One of the main reasons against this is that circumstances and preferences may change after the passing of a loved one that may make certain prepaid services unnecessary or inappropriate.
We recommend that you be aware of the relevant expenses and maintain them in a spreadsheet or something similar so that you can readily execute at the appropriate time. Whether you find prepaying is ideal for you, familiarize yourself with the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, which guarantees you the right “to choose only those goods and services you want or need and to pay only for those you select, whether you are making arrangements when a death occurs or in advance.”
Consider Alternative Options
New trends, shedding of traditions and the high cost of traditional multi-day visitation and funerary rites, have contributed to an increase in alternative burial options including:
- Cremation: Costing about a this of a traditional burial, cremation now outpaces internment in the US.
- Water cremation: Alkaline hydrolysis is a more eco-friendly process than flame cremation
- Green burials: This process of natural biodegradation reduces environmental impact and cost
- At-home funeral: Performing funeral rites at home with or without the help of a professional can increase intimacy and cut costs.
Instead of or in addition to, traditional funeral services, some loved ones are also recognizing death with a celebration of life or memorial service.
Final Words
Losing someone you care for is never easy. In planning a funeral, also seek the support of friends or family. This will help to keep you grounded and ensure you have someone to lean on during the rough time. Don’t forget to prioritize your own mental health and self care. In cases where the reality of the situation or funeral planning becomes too overwhelming, consider tapping into the services of a professional.